The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJF) is accepting entries from teens, ages 14 to 18, for its Second Annual Social Justice Fund Teen Multimedia Contest.

Ventura County teens are asked to express what social justice means to them through essay, song lyrics, poem, poster, or video. Original work should address a social justice issue by identifying the problem and imagining a positive change the artist or author would like to see.

First-place winners in each of three categories – written word, poster and video - will win $250 and be invited to present their work May 6, as part of “Social Justice Center Stage,” SJF’s annual community event, at The Four Friends Gallery in Thousand Oaks. Winning entries will be on display at this event, and the winner in each category will be invited to attend and to show his or her work.

“Social Justice is more relevant in today’s world than ever before,” said Yvonne Tang, chair of the contest committee and a member of the Social Justice Fund Giving Circle. “From the Arab Spring to the Dream Act to college tuition increases to peer prejudice and bullying, social justice issues are shaping our lives and will greatly impact our future.”

The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County is a social change grant making and educational organization created and guided by Ventura County donors, hosted by the Ventura County Community Foundation. SJF has been established to advance equality and opportunity for all. It brings together the resources of a “Giving Circle” – a place where SJF donors come together and have a say in the grants given – and the organizing power of grassroots groups. Together, we are working to advance solutions to poverty and inequality.

The contest entry deadline is Monday, April 2. Full contest rules are available on SJF’s website: SocialJusticeFundVC.org.